As a marketing director at an assisted living and memory care community, I often have folks coming to me wanting to learn the basics. What kinds of housing are there for my loved ones, and how do we afford them?
Let me explain the basic four types of housing for senior adults wishing to move out of their own homes or rented properties.
First, there is independent living. Independent living is much like an apartment, with many shared activities the resident can participate in to build friendships and stay active. The payment structure is generally a flat rate, and utilities may or may not be included in monthly rental fees. Usually, residents prepare their own meals, clean their own homes, and do their own laundry. They may have a button to push in case of emergency to signal someone to check on them.
Assisted living is like renting an apartment or condo, with the resident having their own restroom and kitchenette, usually. Different floorplans are available, depending on the community you choose. Daily activities, three daily meals, transportation, outings, and caregiving activities are often provided. A caregiver is not a medical nurse, but someone who is trained to help lift, wash, serve food and assist the residents in various ways. Often, this caregiver will be the person who reminds a resident when its time for a meal, to exercise, etc. Records are kept as to participation in activities and eating, to ensure the continued health of the individual. Medications are provided as prescribed by MedTechs. Our community has a nurse who oversees the MedTechs and caregivers, and one of each is on duty at all times to assist residents. These residents also have a pendant to push a button if they need assistance.
In most assisted living situations, the resident will pay two monthly amounts: the first is the rental for the apartment, which includes dining, transportation, daily activities, weekly laundry and housekeeping.
The second fee is to compensate for the amount of care that person requires. Does the person ambulate without assistance, or are they in a walker or wheelchair? Do they need help with their toileting and showering, or even help to stand? Are they taking a large number of prescriptions? All these factors influence how much a person’s level of care may cost. And as the person ages and they need more care, a higher level of care fee may be assessed. Some families choose to have home health services, physical therapy services or even hospice come in to see their family members when the need or time arises.
The third type of living for seniors is memory care. A memory care community is much like an assisted living community but it is adapted to reflect the needs of those suffering from dementia or other c og n i t ive - b e h av i o r a l challenges. Our memory care has doors that do not open from the inside unless the resident holds down the push handle for 15 seconds, all while an alarm goes off. That allows caregivers and MedTechs to go to the individual and redirect them to another activity of interest to them.
Skilled nursing facilities round out the list of possible dwelling alternatives. Skilled nursing units have fullytrained medical personnel on site at all times to treat wounds and handle other medical ongoing needs. Many times, these facilities offer rehabilitation services and may sometime serve as a landing place between a patient leaving the hospital and entering an assisted living community or moving back home.
While there are certain facilities that offer a unique blend of the services above, these four discussed are the most common. Next month, we will look at anticipated local pricing for these services and begin to identify from where the money will come to pay.
— Amy McDonald is a guest columnist for The Dublin Citizen and can be reached via email at Amy. Mcdonald@ laurelglenatstephenville. com. Have topics you want discussed for Aging Matters? Email her!